Ms. Revell included walking tours of the 16th Street Baptist Church, the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail, and the 4th Avenue Historic Black Business District.
The Albany Chapter experienced an exceptional moment with Denise McNair’s younger sister, Ms. Kimberly McNair Brock. Ms. Brock was born after Denise’s death; however, she learned the magnitude of her sister’s life as a child. Sharing her passion for healthy vegan cooking, Chef Brock catered the Albany Chapter’s lunch and discussed her path to starting the Bitty’s Living Kitchen Restaurant.
While enjoying lunch, Foot Soldier Ms Taylor Chatman discussed her determination to highlight Birmingham’s African American Heritage. In addition, Attorney Danielle Hines, President of the Small Black Business Cohort, spoke about her inspiration to promote Black entrepreneurship in Birmingham.
Also in attendance were SER Regional Historian Demarish Ruffin-Smith, Birmingham Chapter Moms, and Birmingham Teen Vice President
From the opening Albany Chapter prayer, the Birmingham civil rights bus trivia led by our teens, to speaking opportunities and asking insightful questions, The Road to Birmingham engaged each grade group and met all five Jack and Jill programmatic thrusts. With Five Star excellence, this chapter-wide program honoring Carole Robertson and others who died on September 15, 1963 was truly a Journey to Remember.
The Athens Chapter families gathered to remember the fateful events of September 15, 1963 during their annual Carole Robertson Day commemoration. The Trailblazers put on a play about the events of that day. The little ones created stained glass art in reference to the beautiful memorials that now grace the windows of the historic 16th St. Baptist Church in honor of the 4 Little Girls we lost that day. May they Rest in Peace and may their memory be a blessing and a call to action for those of us who will never forget how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
The Atlanta Chapter continued its year long 70th anniversary celebration with a fabulous chapter wide event at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, September 18. One of the event’s major highlights was a remembrance of Carole Robertson that allowed the chapter’s youngest children to experience some of her favorite activities, including hula hoops and other playground activities, as well as choral music via an app. An exhibit of the chapter’s history included photos, scrapbooks and even the chapter’s original incorporation documents Families danced to music by DJ Salah, sampled delicious bites and took advantage of many photo opportunities on the museum’s grounds.
The Atlanta Chapter continued its year-long 70th anniversary celebration with a fabulous chapter wide event at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, September 18. One of the event’s major highlights was a remembrance of Carole Robertson that allowed the chapter’s youngest children to experience some of her favorite activities, including hula hoops and other playground activities, as well as choral music via an app. An exhibit of the chapter’s history included photos, scrapbooks and even the chapter’s original incorporation documents. Families danced to music by DJ Salah, sampled delicious bites and took advantage of many photo opportunities on the museum’s grounds.
The Teens of the Birmingham Chapter kicked off the 2022 2023 programming year with an overnight retreat held Saturday and Sunday, August 27th - 28th, at YMCA Camp Cosby
Continuing the momentum from the 2022 Regional Teen Leadership Conference held in Birmingham, teens were excited to gather once again to not only fellowship, but participate in educational, social and recreational thrusts. The purpose of this retreat was for the teens to spend time getting to know one another, team building, and learning their committee roles in the Teen grade group Teens learned how trust, effective communication, and teamwork are vital leadership skills necessary when tackling challenges they may encounter while working together.
Friskies Chill Time: Summer Splash!
Before the start of the programming year, on August 20th, The Birmingham Friskies met for some end of the summer chill time at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure. A wonderful time was had by all. Thank you to Assistant Group Chairs Allyson and Tameka for organizing this bonus event the our children!
Ninety strong, the Brevard County, FL chapter packed the beautiful, rustic Nyami Nyami River Lodge at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida on Sunday, September 11, 2022. The chapter family, many clad in safari hat favors, enjoyed a scenic brunch with breathtaking views of meerkats, exotic birds and grazing giraffes. The group was also treated to a private animal encounter with a friendly sloth.
After the meal, the chapter's teen auxiliary engaged the group in an educational presentation about the late Carole Robertson and her importance in the fight for Civil Rights A candle ceremony dedicated to her memory followed.
Chair Courtenay Blunt, Co chair Toya Dupuch and the Jack and Jill Day committee received many kudos on an exciting start to the Jack and Jill year!
On September 17, 2022 at the John P. Thayer YMCA in Columbus, Georgia, the COLGA family came together to honor Carole Robertson and kicked off another fun, engaging and educational programming year during Jack and Jill Day. The program began with an educational ceremony led by our COLGA teens and children to honor and remember Carole Robertson, and the other little girls who perished in the Sixteenth Street Church bombing. Participants from each grade group shared a special reading and lit a candle in their memory.
Following the ceremony, we transitioned to Jack and Jill Day with fun filled family activities and competitions for Associates, Dads, children, teens and moms. Volleyball, basketball, sack races and a cool dip in the pool were enjoyed by all. The Grade Group dessert contest was won by Mom Derise Sims, with her signature lemon chess squares. Charter Mother Juanita Booker danced and shared in the fun! Moms who were initiated together were encouraged to wear similar J&J gear. Kudos to the entire Carole Robertson Day/Jack and Jill Day committee for an enthusiastic and enjoyable day.
The focus of the 2022 Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter Mother’s Retreat was rejuvenation. To foster inclusivity moms had the option to enjoy a staycation at the Westin Perimeter Hotel while also enjoying 3 relaxing and fun packed days of activities. On Friday, moms checked into their suite at the Westin Perimeter Hotel and had the opportunity to experience a one on one makeup and skincare consultation with a Nar’s makeup specialist. Each consultation included color matching, eyes, lips and beauty tips. Each mom who participated in the makeup consultation left with a picture perfect face, lots of skincare and makeup tips, as well as a Nars gift bag. On Saturday, moms boarded a chartered bus to the north Georgia mountains for vineyards, lunch and fellowship. Moms enjoyed scenic views of the vineyards, picturesque mountains and an elevated lunch. On Sunday, to conclude the retreat, moms rested and recharged at the Woodhouse Spa Buckhead for a day of ultimate pampering.
The East Suburban Atlanta Chapter brought in the new year with their annual retreat! The retreat was held in Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia on August 26th August 28th The event was nothing less than a success! Besides handling the business of Jack and Jill there were games, great speakers, zip lining, hiking, and prodigious memories made! ESAC is off to a great start for this programming year!!!
The Fayette County Area Chapter hosted the Carole Robertson Tribute and Jack and Jill House Party on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia Led by FCAC Jack and Jill Day Committee Chair, Sesley Brown, chapter Jacks and Jills commemorated the life of Carole Robertson by viewing a special interview entitled A Conversation for Carole with interviewees Mrs. Dianne Robertson Braddock (sister of Carole Robertson) and Judge Houston Brown. Both recounted the days before, during and after the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Four FCAC Jills silently reflected as the four little girls as they watched a dancing tribute to Carole Robertson.
FCAC Chapter families continued the day by participating in a chapter house party, led by FCAC Program Director Judiffier Pearson Families enjoyed authentic African food while listening to the story of the FCAC House System told by Grio Mama Koku and celebrated through a drum presentation from the Eagles Landing Dance Center Each family received their house assignments for the programming year.
The Gracious Greater Chattanooga Chapter (GCC) commemorated and celebrated Carole Robertson and Jack and Jill Day, respectively on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Host Mothers: Dr. Marsha J. Drake, Dr. Jennifer Ellis, and Mom Stephanie Sinkfield, planned and executed an outstanding family filled event. GCC families worshiped together at Olivet Baptist Church before moving to Olivet’s Kingdom Center where Moms had decorated tables that represented their families for a delicious brunch. There was a family game night table, a New Orleans Saints decorated table, and a travel table, to name a few. After brunch, the GCC Teens conducted the Carole Robertson Ceremony that ended with a balloon release. Once back into the event hall, the games began! Families competed in a series of Minute to Win It games which provided competition for all ages. Take a bow, Host Moms; this was a prefect Kick Off for another amazing program year.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter celebrated Jack and Jill Day with a rooftop pool party on Sunday, September 18, 2022. The event was hosted at the ultra chic Easton Rooftop Pool with sweeping views of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Upon arrival, families were greeted by Mermaid Sabrina’s synchronization in the pool In furtherance of #JJSwims! water safety and instruction were provided to families through P SWAP, a community based service organization which provides swim instruction and lifeguard training in underserved communities throughout South Florida. Youth lifeguards were on duty throughout the event
In honor of Jill Carole Robertson, an inspirational and impactful piece entitled “Change” was performed by SER Teen Poet Laureate, Jill Skylar Reed. Because We Can Do More, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter donated bathing suits, swim caps, trunks, goggles, and towels to P SWAP in effort to assist in their mission to continue providing Child Safety Learn to Swim Programs.
On Saturday, September 24, 2022, the Greater Huntsville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was excited to kick the year off with their annual Carole Robertson and Jack and Jill Day. In honor of Carole Robertson's memory Chapter Jacks and Jills created personal paintings of Carole Robertson and displayed them at the event. Members also brought pictures and memorabilia from previous years to place in our first ever time capsule. We were pleased to have participation from all grade groups, the Mothers and the Father's Auxiliary.
Ourfamiliesgatheredon Sunday,September18th,at SparklesRollerRinkto celebrateJackandJillDayand kick offourprogrammingyear Weweresoexcitedtogatherin person!Weenjoyedgreatfood, lotsoffunandfellowship.We skated(eventheMomsandBig Jacks),playedintheindoor playgroundandenjoyedlaser tag.The6thgradersdidan amazingtributetoourbeloved CaroleRobertsonandreminded ushowbrightherlightshined eventhoughshewastakenfrom usfartoosoon.Weappreciate theJackandJillcommitteefora jobwelldone!
During the celebration, the GNAC Jr. and Sr. Teens recited a very moving tribute to Carole Robertson that culminated with the release of twenty-two doves.
This Jack and Jill Day event also contained a service component. GNAC families donated toilet paper for Family Promise. Family Promise is a local organization that houses homeless families and helps them form plans to regain stability.
OnSaturday,September10,2022,theGreaterTampaChaptercelebratedthestartoftheprogram yearatourannualJackandJillDayCelebrationhonoringCaroleRobertson.Throughheavyrain, GTCfamiliescametogetherandprovedthatanythingispossiblewithfamilyandgreatcompany. Thelargesteventtodate,thefamiliesdanced,playedgames,ate,andenjoyedeachother’s company
AsapartoftheJackandJillDayCommittee’scommunityserviceefforts,wearestillseekingthe community’ssupportoftheHillsboroughEducationFoundation’sTeachingToolsResourceCenter (TTRC),aplacewhereteachersofTitleIschoolsmayvisittwiceperyearforsuppliesneededfor theirstudents.
com/programs/donate/or
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/30C9IAR0FOBXO?
thegiftmessage.Thankyouforyoursupport!
TheMembershipCommitteeledbytheJacksonville Chapter’sVP,Ta’ViannaSanders,hostedaphenomenal Mother’sRetreat. Mothersgatheredintropicalattireand thisyear’sthemewas“Reconnect,RechargeandRenew.” Momsweregreetedwithaleiand“Mom-Tai”Mocktail. Thedaywasspentreconnectingwithoneanother, rechargingtheirbatteries,andrenewingtheircommitment totaketheChaptertothenextlevelwithexciting,quality programming.
The Lake Spivey GA Chapter celebrated Carole Robertson Day with an evening filled with community service, fellowship, and fun! The Jacks and Jills engaged in community service activities, which included preparing duffle bags with toiletries and creating cards with words of encouragement and positivity. The duffle bags will be donated to NECCO Foster Care Organization. The Chapter also collected canned goods, giftcards, and nonperishables to donate to the Lighthouse Food Pantry. Popcorn and hot dogs were enjoyed as the evening ended with an outdoor viewing of the movie Soul.
ThemostbeautifulandperfectdaytocelebrateJack andJillFamilyandtopaytributetoCaroleRobinson. Thiswasthefirstin-personforourchaptersince 2019!
Congratulationstoourphenomenalcommitteeledby ChairKasiaAlexanderandtheentirecommittee includingTammyCobb,LaTashaJones,Bridgette Turner,LaToyaHarris,TaJuanGivens,CicelyHendricks, andNicholeScarboro.
OurtalentedJacksandJillspresentedanimpactful, powerful,andpassionatetributeinremembranceof CaroleRobinson,writtenbyMomCicelyHendricks!
Wespentthedayenjoyingeachother’sfamilieswith prayer,fellowship,games,laughter,andlove!
Phenomenaleventforall!
Miamiisknownasthecityoflightsbutit’salsoknownforitshurricanes. UnfortunatelyTropicalStormFionawasexpectedtobeupgradedtoahurricanecausingourMajestic ChaptertopostponeitswellanticipatedJackandJillDay/CarolRobertsonDayCelebration.
IntrueJackandJillmommyfashion,wepivotedanddonatedour100alreadypurchasedandprepared mealsfortheoccasiontotheSafehouse,a501c3,servingwomenandchildrenseekingrefugefrom DomesticViolenceandSexualAssault. WaytoGoSmallYetMightyMiamiMajesticChapter!
Ourchapterretreatwasaperfectcombinationofrelaxation&restoration. Itwasjustwhatweneededto getrefocusedonourmissionandvisionforthenewprogramyear. SeptemberisSickleCellAwarenessMonthandforourSeptemberMother’sMeeting,wewerewelcomed byourveryownSERSecretary,SharonJanuary. Wewanttothankyouforyourverywarmwelcometothe newprogramyearandservingonourSickleCell AwarenessPanel.
TheMontgomeryChapterofJackandJillcelebratedJack andJillWeekandCaroleRobertsonDayduringtheweekof September12-18,2022.Theweekwascoordinatedbythe ButtonsandBows,ledbyMomsKendraColvin,PorciaLove, andJoanThompson.Familiesbeganbyhaving“Cupcakes andConversations”throughouttheweek,discussingthe legacyofCaroleRobertsonandtheBirmingham16thStreet ChurchBombing.OnFriday,“J&JFootballNight”featured ourJacksandJillsatvariousfootballgamesaroundthecity.
Footballplayersincluded ConnorOwens(SaintJames),KameronTuck(Montgomery Academy),NoahWaters(ValiantCrossAcademy),and JamesLoveandKarsonRichardson(WilsonYMCA). CheerleadersincludedKassidyThompson(Queen’sCourt forSaintJamesHomecomingandCheerleading)andAva Howard(PikeRoadCheerleading).OnSaturday,afall festivalwiththetheme—“HelloFall,GoodbyeSummer”was held.Familiesenjoyedfood,artsandcrafts,andfamilyfun.
OnSunday,familiesattendedchurchatFreewillMissionary BaptistChurch,featuringAssistantPastor,DadDavid Johnson.Afuntimewashadbyall!
MontgomeryChapterCelebrates JackandJillWeek
TheMontgomery,AlabamaChapterisdelightedtorecognize ClaireGaryasarecentlynamed2023NationalMerit Semifinalist. ThenationwidepoolofSemifinalists, representinglessthanonepercentofU.S.highschoolseniors, includesthehighest-scoringPSATentrantsineachstate. In addition,ClaireisanAPScholarwithDistinction,whichisthe highestlevelofachievement.ShereceivedtheJeffersonBook Awardforoutstandinghighschooljuniors.Thispastsummer Clairerepresentedherschool,TheMontgomeryAcademy,at AlabamaGirlsState.
ClaireiscurrentlytheteenCorrespondingSecretaryforher localchapterofJackandJill. Sheisamemberofherhigh school’sVarsityBasketballandGolfteams.Claire’sother positionsincludePresidentoftheWordPlayers’Guild, organizeroftheBlackHistoryMonthprogram,andmemberof TheMontgomeryAcademyaward-winningMathandSpeech andDebateteams.
OnSeptember17,2022,theNashvilleChapter, togetherwithitsneighboringWilliamsonCountyArea Chapter,co-hostedCaroleRobertsonMemorial Day/JackandJillFamilyDayattheexcitingNashville SuperspeedwayinLebanon,Tennessee. Wewere warmlygreetedandwelcomedbythepresidentofthe NashvilleSuperspeedway(JackandJilldadand NASCAR’sfirstBlacktrackpresident),ErikMoses. We rememberedourbelovedJill,CaroleRobertson,ina specialceremonywherewehighlightedbothherlifeand thegoalsofhumanrights,civilrightsandracial harmony. Familiesthenfellowshipped,andourJacks andJillsofallagesenjoyedthegamesandactivities aroundthem. Frombouncyhousestogiantcheckers boards,modelracecarkitstoreal-liferacecars zoomingaroundthetrack,itwasagreatdayforall spenthavingfunandexpandingourhorizonsto experiencethewonderfulworldofNASCARracing. Our ownMotherDotKirkandhercompany,3FriendsFlavor, cateredtheeventandprovidedattendeeswithdelicious chickenandfishplates.
Asanunbelievableaddedbonus,attendeesweregiven theopportunitytodrivetheirowncarsaroundthetrack. Whatanincredibleexperiencethatwewillalways remember! ManythankstoourwonderfulProgram Director,LeahGranderson,Co-ProgramDirector, TiffanyDegrafinreid,andtheirteamandallofthe wonderfulmothersoftheWilliamsonCountyArea Chapterwhohelpedplanandexecutesuchanamazing experienceforourJackandJillfamilies.
ThepurposeofProgrammingofNorthSuburbanAtlanta Chapter'sCaroleRobertsonJackandJillDayistoexplore thehistoryandHeritageofTheBlackFamilyReunion. TheCarolRobertsonpicnicwasheldatachild inclusive(WeAreOnefriendlyplayground)designedSwift CantrellParklocatedinKennesaw,GA.Familieshadafun filleddaycelebratingthestrongculturaltraditionofthe BlackfamilyreunionwithourJackandJillfamilieswith ourchildrenpayingtributetoCaroleRobertson.
Ourchapter-wideeventstartedwithfamiliesgathering andadmiringourmobileartgalleryfeaturingartistic creationsfromourvariousgradegroupsdepictingthe Birminghamchurchbombingof1964.OurSeniorTeens beganwithanexceptionaleducationalandhistoricaltalk aboutthecreationoftheBlackFamilyReunion. TheBlack familyreunionwasdevelopedoutofnecessityduring emancipation;itcoincidedwiththeratificationofthe13th amendmentguaranteeingenslavedindividualstheir freedom,somanyAfricanAmericanssoughttoreunite withlostfamilymember,theireffortshighlightedthe importanceoffamilyasfoundationaltotheirstatusasfree people.
OuryoungJacksandJillslearnedaboutthehistoric heartbreakingdeathofCaroleRobertsonbyhavingfour Jr.TeengirlsgiveahistoricalrecountoftheBirmingham churchbombing.Our Pre-K–3rdGradegirlswere dressedintheirSundaybestholdingpicturesofthefour littlegirlswhoweretragicallykilledinthe1964bombing sayingtheirnamesandreflectingtheimportancetothis momentintime.Thewallsofthepavilionweredrapedin vintageblackandwhitefamilyreunionphotoschronicling the1950's,1960's,and1970'sera.
ThiseventbroughtbackNSACnostalgiawiththe annual GiGiGradeGrouppoundcakeandtheUncleMack's Father’sAuxiliaryribchallenge,whichgivesmomsand dadsbraggingrightsforthenextyear'spicnic.Families enjoyedoldschoolfunwith agameoftugofwar,spades competitions,sackracesandboardgames.Ourchildren alsoparticipatedinaUlvade,Texaswritingcampaignin honorofthechildrenkilledinthemassshooting. AllinAll, itwasatremendoussuccessbecauseourfamilieswere togetherhavingfunin trueNSACfashion.
DuringthemonthofSeptember,theNorthSuburban AtlantaChapterJr.Teensassembledpackagesforthe PeriodProject.ThePeriodProjectserveswomenand girlswholackaccesstomenstrualhygieneproducts. Ourteenslearnedthatthelackofaccesstomenstrual hygieneproductsisanutterlyunknownissueinthe UnitedStates.Menstrualhygieneproductsare necessitiesbutarenotavailableinmanyschools, shelters,andcommunitiesandstudentsinneed.The Jr.TeensfilledpackagesanddonatedthesetoSouth CobbHighSchool.Thestaffwasoverwhelmedwith gratitudeandappreciativeofthedonateditems.
TheNorthSuburbanAtlantaChapterstartedtheprogramyearwithanamazingMother’s Retreat.Ourmotherscametogetherasacommunityofdedicatedmotherstobelifted, rejuvenated,andreconnect.Valuableinformationwasprovidedtolaythefoundationfora successfulyear.
OnSaturday,September3,2022,thefamiliesoftheSouthMiamiChapterofJackandJillofAmerica, Incorporated,putontheircivichatsanddonatedover1,000bottlesofwatertotheMississippiWater crisis.ThewaterdonationswerebeingcollectedandtakenbacktoMississippibytheJacksonState footballteamaftertheOrangeBlossomClassic.
OnSunday,September4,2022,theSouthMiamiChapterofJackandJillofAmerica,Incorporatedheldits 2022Jack&JillDayandCaroleRobertsonDay.Familiesgatheredforafun-filledafternoontohonorand rememberCaroleRobertson,fellowshipandenjoyanHBCUexperienceattheFAMUvs.JSUOrange BlossomClassicfootballgameheldatHardRockStadiuminMiamiGardens,Florida.
Duringthetailgate,familiessocialized,playedgamesandatelunch.ChildrenspoketotwoFAMUalumni todiscusstheHBCUexperienceandtherequirementsforcollege.Thechildrenalsotookpartina remembranceceremonyforCaroleRobertson.Afterthetailgatewasover,eachfamilywentintothe stadiumtowatchthemarchingbandsperformandenjoythefootballgame.
CelebratingJackandJillDayat
TheNewBlackWallStreet
OnSeptember18,2o22,TheSpectacularFiveStar StoneMountainChapterrememberedCarole RobertsonandcelebratedJackandJillDayatThe NewWallStreetMarket. SeniorTeens(grades912)officersledtheannualCaroleRobertson RemembranceCeremonyandallchaptermembers contributedfundstowardsbookpurchasesfor studentsofanunder-resourcedelementary school.Throughthiseffort,Carole’sloveofliteracy isfosteredinchildrenthroughoutourcommunity. ForJackandJillDay,wededicatedourselvesto “BuyingBlack”atTheNewBlackWallStreet Market,adestinationforfamilyfun, entertainment,retail,gourmetgroceryshopping andfinedining.Setamongbeautifullycurated commonspaces,thereare100+shopsand restaurantslocatedinsidethisnewandexciting development.
AsanextensionoftheAllenEntrepreneurial Institute,theNewBlackWallStreetMarketshares itsmission:toincreasethesizeandnumberof minorityandwomen-ownedbusinessesthroughout theUnitedStatesandglobally.Thisnewretail& diningexperiencedeliversuncommonexcellence, exclusiveproductofferings,andunique entertainmentexperiences.Wehadthehonorto hearfromMr.BillAllen,ownerofTheNewBlack WallStreetMarketandAllenInstitute.
Whilethere,ourHighFlyers(grades4th&5th) participatedinascavengerhuntdown“Wall Street”andourShining Stars(grades1st-3rd) enjoyedicecreamtogether.Specialthankstoour HealthCommittee—undertheleadershipofDr. NicoleRoss—forofferingcommunityblood pressurescreeningsandeducationalmaterialsfor patronsvisitingTheNewBlackWallStreet.The SpectacularStoneMountainChapterisOn Mission.OnPurpose.
TheSpectacularStoneMountainChaptercelebratedits5 StarAchievementataSaturdayeveningreceptionandon Sundaymorning,gatheredforadayof“BuildingHarmonious SisterlyRelationships”.TheMembershipCommittee continueditsthemeof“CreatingMemorableMother Experiences”atthisfirstin-personchapterwide membershipeventsince2020! Mothersbegantheday participatinginthe“MyVision,MyJoy”visionboardactivity creatingakeepsakeandsharingpersonalexperiencesof self-care,love,family,rejuvenationandpersonalgoals. Duringtheretreat,over45Mothersrotatedinsmallgroups throughoutthevenuetovariousStoMoPop-UpStations. Thisfun,interactivemethodallowedMothersto“Build HarmoniousRelationships”evidencedbylaughter,hugsand smilesastheygainedabetterunderstandingofthe importanceofourorganization's“business”structure. The pop-upstationsprovidedlearningopportunitiesforallthingsJackandJillincludingDigitalCheetahnavigation, healthinitiatives,organizationalgovernance,diversity appreciation,programming,memberresponsibilities, social/hospitalityactivities,bestpracticefinancial operationsaswellasanoverviewofChapterPresident MarissaKey’s2022-2023theme“CreatingCommunity…One ChildataTime.” ItwasadelightforMotherstoelevatetheir understandingofchapteroperationsandhowtheyfunction collaborativelyinexcellence!Ourdayof“Building HarmoniousRelationships”culminatedingrandfashionat theStoMoDayPartyfullofgoodeatsandtreats,a champagnetoast,photosgalore,andtheSERShufflelead byourownCPMarissaandVPMelvina! TheMembership committeeisappreciativeofallattendeesandpresenters andlooksforwardtocontinuingthespiritofbeingexcited, inspired,andrefreshedinourcollectivededicationtoremain OnMission,OnPurpose!
Similarly,theSeniorTeensgatheredforafull-filled overnightretreatnearTheBatteryinCobbCounty,withthe missionbeing“toempowereachchildtocultivateand sustainagenuinesenseofbelongingforthemselvesand otherusingempathyandexcellence.”TheEscapeRoom activity,exploringTheBatteryshops,dining,andswimming fosteredtogetherness.ThehighlightwasonDay2, hearing fromadiversityandinclusionprofessionalandbeingledin anactivityontheimportanceofhavingeveryteenmember’s backwithoutexclusion.LongliveJackandJill!Kudosto SeniorTeenAdvisorStephanieAmos,otherSeniorTeen gradegroupleads,retreatplanners,andchaperonesforan
Sunday,September18,2022,The"OhSoClassy"Five-Star ChapterofTallahasseecelebratedit's71styearofService withintergenerationalfunforall!
ThedaybeganwithTallahasseeTeensacceptingthecharge tolead.Theyremindedthechapterto RememberNotto ForgetCaroleRobertsonandallshestoodfor,butwas unabletolivetoenjoy:humanrights,civilrights,andracial harmony.
TheChapterthenBlastedOffintoitsJackandJillDaywith “FamilyReunion”stylefun!AssistantProgramDirector AngelaSuggsandtheBlastOffcommitteeleftnostone unturned.Familieswerethankfulfortheeventhost,Dad DarylParksandsponsorsLeonCountyBoardofCounty CommissionViceChairman,NickMaddoxandLeonCounty SchoolBoardChairman,DarrylJones.
IfthisFamilyReunioninspiredBlastOffisanyindicationof whatthe2022-2023programyearhasinstore,itgoes withoutsaying,theTallahasseeChapterispreparedto E.L.E.V.A.T.E!
#JJTLH#JackandJillInc#JackJillDay2022
#CaroleRobertsonDayJackandJillofAmerica,Inc.-Sweet SoutheasternRegionJackandJillofAmerica,Incorporated
TheTuscaloosaChaptercelebratedJackandJillDayinthe parkonabeautiful,sunnyafternoon.Familiesgatheredfora low-key,stress-freetimeoffellowshiptokickoffthenew programmingyear.Attendeesweretreatedtoapicniclunch cateredbyalocalblack-ownedbusiness,followedbygames, crafts,andconversation.TheChapteralsohonoredCarole Robertsonthroughaserviceofremembranceledbyeight youngmenfromtheteengroup.ChapterProgramDirector DanielleFulghumalsopresentedalessonandsupplemental activitiesfortheyoungerchildrentolearnaboutCarole Robertson’slifeandupbringing.
Programmingcontinuedthenextweekendinobservanceof NationalChildhoodObesityAwarenessMonthandtosupport theannualwalk-a-thonofTheLinks,Incorporated.Moms, teens,andchildrenwalkedandranforphysicalfitnessand learnedaboutadditionalwaystopreventandaddress childhoodobesity.
OnAugust20,2022,theMothers oftheTuskegeeChapterheld theirannualplanningretreat. Theeventwasprovidedina hybridformatformaximum participation.Duringtheevent, wewereproudtoreiterateour recentaccomplishmentsfrom theNationalConferenceandto layoutourplanforourRoadto FiveStar.
Followingtheretreat,the Mothersenjoyedalovelycruise wheretheysharedlotsof laughterandabeautifulwater view.Itwasoneforthebooks.
On September 4, 2022, the Tuskegee Chapter held the annual celebration of Carole Robertson Day. Our teens performed the ceremony and we ended our day with several of our families worshipping and fellow shipping together at Greenwood Missionary BaptistChurch.
Each September, we honor the life and legacy of Carole Robertson, who was a teen member of the Birmingham Chapter and one of the“4littlegirls”killedatthe16th Street Baptist Church bombing on September15,1963.
Ourmembersenjoyedtheirtimeof praiseandworship.
TheGuysandDollsandTwixand TweensoftheTuskegeeChapter observedSickleCellAwareness MonthbylearningaboutSickleCell DiseaseandRelatedBloodDisorder fromMomWendyStrainBoykinwho worksastheProgramDirectorand EducatorwiththeSoutheastAlabama SickleCellAssociation,Inc. MomWendyexplainedtheoriginof SickleCellDisease,thesymptomsof thediseaseandthedifferences betweenSickleCellDiseaseand SickleCelltrait.Afterthe presentationtheJacksandJillshada question-and-answersessionand thenmadepostersaboutthefacts theylearned.
